The South West

South West England is the largest of nine official regions in England, encompassing the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire (including Bristol and the Isles of Scilly). Known for its scenic coastlines - including the Jurassic Coast, and rural landscapes, it features major landmarks like Stonehenge and the city of Bath.

Devon

Devon is best described as a blend of dramatic coastlines, rolling moorlands, and charming seaside towns — a place where every turn feels like a postcard. Devon’s coastline is one of its biggest draws, offering everything from surf‑friendly beaches like Croyde Bay to the palm‑lined promenades of Torquay on the English Riviera. Walkers can follow the South West Coast Path, where rugged cliffs and sweeping sea views create some of the most memorable hikes in the UK. Beyond the beaches, Devon opens into vast moorlands and tranquil countryside, making it a haven for nature lovers. The region is known for its peaceful retreats, wellness escapes, and opportunities for slow, mindful travel — perfect for anyone seeking quiet moments surrounded by greenery.

Cornwall

Cornwall is a place where wild coastline, ancient culture, and creative seaside life come together — a destination that feels both rugged and deeply soulful. Cornwall is famous for its 300 miles of coastline, offering everything from hidden coves to wide surfing beaches. The South West Coast Path winds along dramatic cliffs, sheltered bays, and fishing villages, giving travellers endless opportunities for scenic walks. The north coast, home to Newquay — often called the UK’s surfing capital — delivers Atlantic swells and a lively surf culture, while the south coast is softer and more tranquil, dotted with wooded creeks, harbour towns, and calm waters.

Dorset

Dorset is best described as a county where dramatic Jurassic Coast scenery, historic villages, and peaceful countryside come together to create one of England’s most memorable coastal escapes. Dorset’s coastline is its greatest signature. The Jurassic Coast, a 95‑mile UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for its ancient rock formations and fossil‑rich cliffs. One of its most iconic landmarks is Durdle Door, a towering natural limestone arch formed around 140 million years ago, offering a dramatic backdrop for beach days and cliff‑top walks. Dorset’s inland scenery is dotted with historic treasures. Corfe Castle, perched on a hill in the Isle of Purbeck, offers over 1,000 years of history and panoramic views across rolling countryside.

Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire blends storybook Cotswold villages, ancient forests, and elegant spa towns — a county that feels both deeply traditional and full of fresh, outdoorsy energy. Gloucestershire is home to some of the most iconic Cotswold scenery, with honey‑coloured stone villages, rolling hills, and patchwork farmland. Visitors can wander through places like Stow‑on‑the‑Wold, Cirencester, and Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, each offering postcard‑perfect streets and independent shops. The county is widely celebrated for its beautiful countryside and charming towns, making it an idyllic escape for travellers seeking tranquillity and rural beauty. To the west lies the Forest of Dean, one of England’s oldest woodlands and a completely different side of the county.

Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly feel like a subtropical escape just off the coast of Cornwall — a cluster of white‑sand beaches, turquoise shallows, and slow‑paced island life that feels worlds away from mainland England. The Isles of Scilly sit just 28 miles off Cornwall, yet they offer a completely different atmosphere: quiet lanes, barely any cars, and a sense of calm shaped by sea breezes and open horizons. With over 140 islands, only five inhabited, the archipelago feels intimate and untouched. Visitors often describe it as stepping into a simpler, softer version of coastal life.

Somerset

Somerset is a county of striking contrasts — from dramatic gorges and moorland to peaceful wetlands, historic cities, and charming seaside towns — making it an ideal destination for travellers who love variety. Somerset’s scenery is wonderfully diverse. You’ll find invigorating coastlines, sandy beaches, limestone gorges, low‑lying wetlands, and sweeping moors all within a single county. Cheddar Gorge, Britain’s largest gorge, is one of Somerset’s most spectacular natural landmarks, carved into the Mendip Hills with dramatic cliffs and far‑reaching views.

Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a county where ancient monuments, rolling chalk landscapes, and stately homes create a sense of timeless England — perfect for travellers seeking history, nature, and peaceful countryside. Wiltshire is known for its sweeping chalk downlands, quiet valleys, and protected rural landscapes, including the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape, one of the most rural protected areas in England. Visitors can wander through wild open spaces, chalk grasslands, and scenic walking routes that offer a true escape from urban life.

Bristol

Bristol is a creative, independent‑spirited city known for its colourful street art, historic harbour, iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, and lively food and festival culture. Bristol has a reputation for street art, culture, and a fiercely independent identity, shaped by its passionate locals. The city is home to world‑famous graffiti artist Banksy, and visitors can explore murals and creative districts across the city. Bristol’s official tourism site highlights its blend of centuries‑old landmarks, hands‑on museums, colourful street art, and unique experiences, all contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.